Police identify suspect after 3 people killed in shooting in Target parking lot in Texas
The Austin Police Department announced on Aug. 12 that Ethan Nieneker was arrested following the shooting in the retailer's parking lot.
In a statement to media outlets including KVUE and CBS News Texas, Target said it is working with authorities on the ongoing investigation.
"Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, our team in Austin and all those impacted by this tragedy," the statement said. "In the days ahead, we will continue partnering with law enforcement and will be providing support resources, including grief counseling, to our team.'
Here's what we know so far.
What we know about the suspect
Officers responded to the Target at 2:15 p.m. on Aug. 11. By then, the suspected shooter, later identified as Nieneker, had fled in a stolen car, crashed it soon after and stole another vehicle, Chief Lisa Davis said at a news conference.
Police then tracked the suspect down, used a Taser stun gun on him and arrested him, Davis said. The suspect is believed to have a history of mental health challenges, authorities noted.
According to CNN and KEYE, citing jail records, Nieneker was charged with first-degree murder, capital murder by terror threat and capital murder of a person under 10.
Local officials plan to hold a press conference at 2 p.m. on Aug. 12.
What we know so far about the victims
Two of the victims were declared dead on the scene, while the third died at a local hospital, Austin-Travis County EMS Chief Robert Luckritz said at the news conference.
The victims were not publicly named, but according to CNN and local news outlet KXAN, officials identified them as two adults and one child.
'Cowardly act'
In a social media post on Aug.11, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called the shooting a "cowardly act of gun violence."
"This is a devastating situation, and my heart is with the victims and their families," Watson said. "While this remains an active and ongoing investigation, what I'll say is that this was a sickening, cowardly act of gun violence."
"I am grateful for the quick response of our APD officers and other first responders and want to thank them for their actions to apprehend the suspect."
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@gannett.com.
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